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Motivation to Improve Mental Wellbeing via Community Physical Activity Initiatives and the Associated Impacts—A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK parkrun Participants

Author

Listed:
  • Allison Dunne

    (Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S9 3TU, UK)

  • Steve Haake

    (Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S9 3TU, UK)

  • Helen Quirk

    (School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK)

  • Alice Bullas

    (Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S9 3TU, UK)

Abstract

Participation in regular physical activity is a well-established strategy to support good mental wellbeing in adults with, and without, mental health conditions. The physical activity initiative parkrun is a free, weekly, timed, running and walking event which is attended by people from the local community of all abilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental wellbeing of UK parkrun participants along with their motives for taking part and the impact of participation. Mental health conditions were self-reported in 2.5% of 60,000 respondents to an online survey of parkrunners , with the most prevalent being depression and anxiety. Those with mental health conditions were more motivated than those without to first participate in parkrun to manage their health conditions and improve their mental health. Those with mental health conditions were equally motivated to improve their physical health when compared to those without, and reported similar levels of improvement. Mental wellbeing scores for those with mental health conditions were close to the normal range, suggesting that engagement in parkrun may have had a role in limiting the effect of their illness. Community initiatives could replicate parkrun’s model, and use the potential for both mental and physical health improvement, as well as health condition management, as a motivation for participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Allison Dunne & Steve Haake & Helen Quirk & Alice Bullas, 2021. "Motivation to Improve Mental Wellbeing via Community Physical Activity Initiatives and the Associated Impacts—A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK parkrun Participants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:13072-:d:700047
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J. Pretty & J. Peacock & R. Hine & M. Sellens & N. South & M. Griffin, 2007. "Green exercise in the UK countryside: Effects on health and psychological well-being, and implications for policy and planning," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(2), pages 211-231.
    2. Freya Oswald & Jennifer Campbell & Chloë Williamson & Justin Richards & Paul Kelly, 2020. "A Scoping Review of the Relationship between Running and Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-39, November.
    3. Keyes, C.L.M. & Dhingra, S.S. & Simoes, E.J., 2010. "Change in level of positive mental health as a predictor of future risk of mental Illness," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(12), pages 2366-2371.
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    Cited by:

    1. Antonio Castillo-Paredes & Beatriz Iglésias & Claudio Farías-Valenzuela & Irina Kovalskys & Georgina Gómez & Attilio Rigotti & Lilia Yadira Cortés & Martha Cecilia Yépez García & Rossina G. Pareja & M, 2022. "Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Active Transportation in Adults from Eight Latin American Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-11, October.
    2. Aqeela Zahra & Muhammad Shehzad Hassan & Jae-Hyun Park & Sehar-un-Nisa Hassan & Nuzhat Parveen, 2022. "Role of Environmental Quality of Life in Physical Activity Status of Individuals with and without Physical Disabilities in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-11, April.
    3. Steve Haake & Helen Quirk & Alice Bullas, 2024. "The impact of parkrun on life satisfaction and its cost-effectiveness: A six-month study of parkrunners in the United Kingdom," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(10), pages 1-19, October.

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